PHILIPSBURG – The quaint town of Philipsburg, nestled against the Flint Creek Range, has long been a popular spot no matter what the season, but in recent years it has been working to make itself into a winter destination.

“We’re just getting started in terms of creating our winter activities and drawing people in,” said Heidi Beck-Heser, corresponding secretary for the Philipsburg Chamber of Commerce.

Those activities include a brewfest, hockey tournament, learn-to-skate clinics and a chili cookoff, and the community is looking to add even more for next year.

But even if you don’t time your visit with one of those events, you’ll find plenty to do near Philipsburg during the winter months.

• Enjoy the fresh powder:

With more than 200 inches of snow per year, Discovery Ski Area, located about 14 miles from Philipsburg, is often a great place to find fresh tracks. The ski area has something to offer everyone — beginner terrain on the front of the mountain with steep double-black-diamond runs on the backside. Thanks to plenty of lift capacity, waiting in lift lines is a rarity at this mountain. Discovery is open seven days a week with lifts running from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Its last day of the season is April 7.

• Strap on some skates:

Philipsburg has an outdoor skating rink that is free to use.

“We even have free skates kids can use,” Beck-Heser said. The rink is lit, so skating can continue after dark.

“We have a lot of people who ski in the morning and come down and skate afterward,” she said.

The skating rink doesn’t have a refrigeration system, instead relying on the weather to keep the ice in good shape.

“We’re just going with Mother Nature,” Beck-Heser said.

That means the closing date of the rink varies.

• Kick and glide:

The Pintler Ranger District of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest offers about 20 miles of cross-country ski trails in the Georgetown Lake area. The trails are designated beginner, intermediate and expert, which means every level of skier will find a trail that’s a good fit. Pick up a map at local businesses, or find one here — www.skidiscovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/XC-Trails-Map.pdf.

• Blaze a snowbound trail:

Granite Ghost Town, just outside Philipsburg, is vehicle-accessible in the summer, but in the winter, visitors must snowshoe or cross-country ski to the abandoned mining town.

“You can strap on either one and take off toward the ghost town,” Beck-Heser said.

Granite Ghost Town is about two miles from Philipsburg, but be prepared for a steep uphill climb. Route finding, however, is very easy since you’ll be following an unplowed road.

• Harness the wind:

Georgetown Lake is a popular spot for kite boarding, a sport where participants strap skis or a snowboard to their feet and use a large kite to propel themselves across the frozen lake. For information on equipment or lessons, contact Underground Kite Sports at 406-546-2709.

• Wet your line:

If you’re interested in more traditional sports, Georgetown Lake is also a great place for ice fishing. When the weather is too warm and the ice isn’t in prime shape, anglers can instead fish on Rock Creek.

“Those die-hard (fishermen), they love it around here,” Beck-Heser said.

• Wet your whistle:

After a day of outdoor adventures, stop in to Philipsburg Brewing Company downtown. The microbrewery serves a variety of locally brewed ales.

• Rest your head:

All those activities are sure to wear you out, so plan to stay in Philipsburg. The area has many hotels, bed and breakfasts and lodges to offer. But be sure to make a reservation in advance.

“We have such a limited number of rooms available,” Beck-Heser said.

For a list of lodging and other businesses in Philipsburg, visit philipsburgmt.com.

• Plan for next year:

With a hockey tournament, beer festival and chili cookoff, Presidents Day Weekend is a great time to visit the small town.